Hi, I'm a mixed race guy with 3c hair wondering if anyone could tell me suitable products for styling. I've been using EcoStyler gel lately and it holds my curls nicely, but looks dry and I don't like the hard feel of gel.

I'd like a product like that would hold my hairstyle but still look soft and shine, I've never used hair creams, mousses etc. before just gel, so I'm looking for some advice.

I can't post a pic of the hairstyle I want because I'm new to the forum, but kinda curly on the forehead to one side.

Hi, I'm a mixed race guy with 3c hair wondering if anyone could tell me suitable products for styling. I've been using EcoStyler gel lately and it holds my curls nicely, but looks dry and I don't like the hard feel of gel.

I'd like a product like that would hold my hairstyle but still look soft and shine, I've never used hair creams, mousses etc. before just gel, so I'm looking for some advice.

I can't post a pic of the hairstyle I want because I'm new to the forum, but kinda curly on the forehead to one side.

Thanks

Originally Posted by andrengahuro

I had the same problem with ecostyler gel. Try Curl Unleashed Set It Off Curl Boosting Jelly. It's more expensive than the ecostyler but I find it less drying and it doesn't dry hard. Also gives your hair a bit of shine.

I have 3c hair and i used to use ecostyler gel as well (although i didnt use it strictly on its own). It did do a great job at holding but i also noticed that it would eventually dry my hair out.

Recently ive noticed that just using my Cantu Sea butter leave in works on my wet hair. Its moisturizing and enhances my curls and ive also used their curl activator cream which makes my curls pop. I ran out of the curl activator cream.

Also i twist my hair to make my curls a little bigger and it holds moisture in over night. I seal with coconut oil. Since youre a guy, idk if u would want to do all of that lol. But it wouldnt hurt if u want really defined curls. Good luck

I have 3c hair and i used to use ecostyler gel as well (although i didnt use it strictly on its own). It did do a great job at holding but i also noticed that it would eventually dry my hair out.

Recently ive noticed that just using my Cantu Sea butter leave in works on my wet hair. Its moisturizing and enhances my curls and ive also used their curl activator cream which makes my curls pop. I ran out of the curl activator cream.

Also i twist my hair to make my curls a little bigger and it holds moisture in over night. I seal with coconut oil. Since youre a guy, idk if u would want to do all of that lol. But it wouldnt hurt if u want really defined curls. Good luck

Originally Posted by CurlyCita

I have raw coconut oil I use it when I go to sleep keep it moisturised, but yeah Shea Butter I've been looking at recently wasn't sure to get it or not but I'll give it a go, worth trying out multiple products anyway so thank you!

Another poster said this in a different thread (sorry, if you're reading this I can't remember your name!): the first step to truly defined curls is proper moisture. I have 3b-3c hair and I really don't use any styler in my hair to define my curls. I just have a really good routine in place that keeps my hair moisturized.

Another thing I've noticed is that hair type has little to do with products. Instead, you'll want to learn your hair's properties (porosity, thickness and density) to determine what to use in your hair.

Lastly, EcoStyler, as with any gel, needs to be scrunched! Apply your gel, let it dry, and then grab handfuls of hair and squeeze it to (s)crunch the hardness out. Done correctly, it gets rid of the gel cast and leaves soft, defined curls.

Lastly, EcoStyler, as with any gel, needs to be scrunched! Apply your gel, let it dry, and then grab handfuls of hair and squeeze it to (s)crunch the hardness out. Done correctly, it gets rid of the gel cast and leaves soft, defined curls.

Originally Posted by lovebonita

This is the only part of your post I don't agree with - the rest 100% agree. With ecostyler gel it depends on:
1. The strength of the ecostyler gel as not all of them are 10s
2. The amount you use.

Plus if you get your hair fully moisturised you will find you either don't need any gel depending on what you are doing that day and the weather, or just a little.

I'm also mixed race and my hair is a mix of various type 3 textures! The products I use depend on what I want...if I want to stretch my curls a little and have a smooth, sleek look then I use my Eco Styler with Olive Oil and Wheat Protein on bone dry hair and stretch the hair in sections between my fingers. There is a slight crunch afterwards but if I use a little bit of ORS's Olive Oil Creme afterwards and massage it into the hair it softens and removes the crunch effect.

If I want my natural, tight ringlets I simply use Cantu Shea Butter Leave-In on soaking wet hair then towel dry gently. The Cantu tends to leave the hair nice and soft and has a slight hold but tends not to really create a crunch unless I use way too much

I feel like I'm on the outside of the party looking in ... Cause I don't know how y'all are getting away w/using Cantu Shea OR Eco Styler. I wanted so bad to love both of those (so cheap!), but Zamira hates hates hates both of those. I seem to recall Eco having a lot of glycerin(?) and she doesn't react well to glycerin. After the Cantu dried it looked like I'd "conditioned" her with straight-up sand. Coconut oil does work though, as long as I use it sparingly

I feel like I'm on the outside of the party looking in ... Cause I don't know how y'all are getting away w/using Cantu Shea OR Eco Styler. I wanted so bad to love both of those (so cheap!), but Zamira hates hates hates both of those. I seem to recall Eco having a lot of glycerin(?) and she doesn't react well to glycerin. After the Cantu dried it looked like I'd "conditioned" her with straight-up sand. Coconut oil does work though, as long as I use it sparingly

Originally Posted by Korkscrew

It's to do with climate.

When I worked in a cold and dry country my hair hated all the hair products I used. Moved back to a more humid country no problems except when it's hot.

I feel like I'm on the outside of the party looking in ... Cause I don't know how y'all are getting away w/using Cantu Shea OR Eco Styler. I wanted so bad to love both of those (so cheap!), but Zamira hates hates hates both of those. I seem to recall Eco having a lot of glycerin(?) and she doesn't react well to glycerin. After the Cantu dried it looked like I'd "conditioned" her with straight-up sand. Coconut oil does work though, as long as I use it sparingly

Originally Posted by Korkscrew

I don't use EcoStyler throughout my whole hair, just along the edges to get the little baby hairs to sorta lay down. It's, in my opinion, a really low-hold gel (or I have really strong, defiant curls lol) so I like using it for that area because by the end of the way, it's worn off so there's no damage.

I started using the Cantu products a while ago, but the buildup and white dots were out of CONTROL for me.

I feel like I'm on the outside of the party looking in ... Cause I don't know how y'all are getting away w/using Cantu Shea OR Eco Styler. I wanted so bad to love both of those (so cheap!), but Zamira hates hates hates both of those. I seem to recall Eco having a lot of glycerin(?) and she doesn't react well to glycerin. After the Cantu dried it looked like I'd "conditioned" her with straight-up sand. Coconut oil does work though, as long as I use it sparingly

Originally Posted by Korkscrew

It's to do with climate.

When I worked in a cold and dry country my hair hated all the hair products I used. Moved back to a more humid country no problems except when it's hot.

Originally Posted by Blueblood

You know that's what I thought but I've tried these 2 products over the years in various climates, weather conditions, etc. Have mixed & matched w/other product too. There's just something about how universally available and cheap they are ... I just kept buying and trying them out "just one more time"